Thursday, May 2, 2013

Communist New People’s Army (NPA) rebels burned a
10-wheeler truck along Road 41, Sitio San Antonio, Barangay San Roque, BisligCity
allegedly due to unpaid revolutionary taxes.

Initial report received by the Northeastern
Mindanao Police Regional Office 13 (PRO 13) points to members of the communist
rebel group who burned the vehicle driven by a certain Bebot Tampos.

Supt. Martin M. Gamba, regional spokesman of PRO
13, said group troops are still investigating the incident. Quoting the initial
investigation report from BCPO, Gamba said Tampos was in the truck with his
helper certain Bebe Macaylas and their escort Mario Ytac who was driving a TMX
single motorcycle, when they were stopped by five fully-armed NPAs led by a
certain “Commander Sayatsat”.

Tampos and Macaylas were tied by the suspects who
immediately fled after burning the truck. The suspects took Ytac and his
motorcycle.

The truck owner, Engr. Dodoy Go of Bislig City
allegedly received threats from the NPA when he didn’t pay the revolutionary
tax days before the incident.

From Rappler (May 2): Suspected NPA members flag down vice-mayor bet in Agusan

A candidate running for vice-mayor in San Francisco, Agusan del Sur was flagged down by suspected communist fighters on Sunday, April 28, a military official said.

Col. Leopoldo Galon, chief of the military's 5th Civil Relations Group, said Agusani Ananoria's party was on their way back to the town when they were blocked by more than 20 heavily armed fighters at the vicinity of Purok 2, Brgy Bitan-agan at around 5pm.

Ananoria was unharmed but alleged members of the New People's Army (NPA) burned down two motorcycles which were part of the convoy.

Galon said the reported NPA fighters were looking for a certain Kalbo who works as a security escort of Mayor Jenny de Asis. Asis and Ananoria are running under the National Unity Party.

The attack came as the NPA-North Central Mindanao Regional Command admitted - and apologized for - firing at the convoy of Gingoog City Mayor Ruthie Guingona on April 20. Guingona, mother of incumbent Sen. Teofisto Guingona III, was injured in the attack while her bodyguard and driver, brothers Nestor and Bartolome Velasco, died in the incident.

A recent poll by the Washington-based Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life revealed that majority of Muslims wanted Shari’a law as the official bylaws of their countries.

But for Filipino Muslims, this is less an entry on their wish list rather than a fact of their lives as Shari’a laws have been partly implemented in the country since 1977. And it was done without it being imposed on Christian Filipinos.

“The Philippine government has recognized Shari’a laws under Presidential Decree 1083 or the Code of Muslim Personal Laws,” said Julkipli Wadi, dean of the Institute of Islamic Studies at the University of the Philippines, Diliman.

Ominta Lantud, a Muslim public school teacher and businesswoman, agreed with Wadi saying that she is satisfied that the Islamic legal and moral code only applied to them and not to Christian Filipinos.

The Shari’a court system was established to resolve cases using Islamic principles of justice, according to “A Primer on the Philippine Shari’a Courts”, commissioned by the Asia Foundation and the Asian Institute of Journalism and Communication.

Currently, the Shari’a courts only handle cases relating to personal laws on family relations and property.

Unconscious implementation

Although Shari’a laws are not applicable to Christian Filipinos, the Islamic Studies dean noted that the country is moving towards the “vision” of Shari’a law.

“In fact, the Philippines is moving in a trajectory towards a vision of Maqasid Shar’ia (the goals of Shari'a law) like the RH (Reproductive Health) Law, divorce bill etc. Filipinos are not just conscious about it or in utter refusal to recognize it,” Wadi noted.

He explained that reproductive health was in accordance to the Shari’a law, while the Code of Muslim Personal Laws had a provision on divorce, though applicable only to Muslims and non-Muslim married to a Muslim.

The Code of Muslim Personal Laws created five Shari’a district courts and 36 circuit courts in the country. However, all of these courts are located in Mindanao, and mostly in the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao.

“There should be an expansion of Philippines Shari’a Court in non-Muslim provinces with substantial number of Muslims,” Talib Benito, former dean of Mindanao State University's King Faisal Center for Islamic Studies.

Benito noted that the upcoming Bangsamoro Basic Law will expand Shari’a law to business law, obligations and contracts, and some aspects of criminal law.

“This has been the clamor of Muslims in the Philippines… to be governed by their law. If you understand the civil aspect of the Shari’a law, it is like the civil law of the Philippines. It only differs on marriage and divorce,” explained Benito, who is part of the 15-man Transition Commission that will draft the Bangsamoro Basic Law.

From GMA News (May 3): CPP: Immunity, other agreements should stay until formal termination of talks

Until the formal peace talks are formally scrapped, the Communist Party of the Philippines wants the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees and similar agreements to remain in effect.

“In light of the recent bellicose statements of the government effectively terminating the (National Democratic Front and Philippine government) peace negotiations, the CPP and the NDF awaits a formal notification from the government terminating the formal peace negotiations,” it said.

The CPP said the joint agreements include:

- the The Hague Joint Declaration of 1990 - the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL) of 1998 - the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG) - other critical agreements “that were forged through difficult negotiations and which serve as hallmarks of the determination of the NDFP and past Philippine governments to work through differences and unite on matters of crucial importance to the Filipino people.”

Earlier, government chief negotiator Alexander Padilla indicated the government is ending formal talks and looking at alternative approaches to peace efforts with the communist rebels.

Meanwhile, the CPP contested presidential peace process adviser Teresita Deles' claim that the Norwegian government had been informed of the talks' "termination."

“(Deles) is lying when she claims that the (Norwegian government) has already been informed of the termination of the talks when she said that they had ‘mutually established’ in discussions with the RNG ambassador that the NDFP had supposedly ‘killed’ the special track and that the government of the Philippines (GPH) is no longer willing to go back to the regular track,” said the CPP.

“If the Philippine government is no longer interested in the NDFP-GPH peace negotiations, it should formally send correspondence indicating their decision to terminate the NDFPH-GPH peace negotiations,” it added.

The CPP accused President Benigno Aquino III of "showing great discourtesy and lack of manners" when the government unilaterally terminated the talks through the media.

It said the least the government should do is to formally inform the NDF and the Norwegian government that it is now terminating the talks.

“Peace negotiations are a two-sided interactive process. To end it, one side must formally inform the other that it is no longer interested in talks,” it said.

On the other hand, the CPP contested Padilla's claims of preconditions it demanded to resume the peace talks.

It added the NDF has not demanded an end to the government's Oplan Bayanihan war of suppression as preconditions for the resumption of formal negotiations.

Also, it said the NDF demand to release all NDF peace consultants "is not a matter of precondition, but a matter of obligation of the GPH under the JASIG.”

“On the contrary, it is the GPH that has insisted that it will only resume formal talks if the revolutionary movement agree to surrendering its armed resistance through an indefinite ceasefire. Over 20 years of peace negotiations have proven that critical agreements can be forged even if there is a raging civil war,” it added.

The New People's Army released a candidate for mayor in storm-devastated Baganga, Davao Oriental a day after they abducted him for what authorities claimed was his failure to pay the rebels so-called “permit-to-campaign” fees.

But Senior Superintendent Jose Carrumba, officer-in-charge of the Davao Oriental police, said Ronnie Osnan told police who debriefed him that he was released "without any condition."

Osnan was freed around 5:30 p.m. Thursday in Sitio Marquez, Barangay Campawan, the same village where he was seized by rebels after campaigning on Wednesday.

Also seized with him was a pastor, Manny Tinzon, who was released almost immediately.

He was placed under police custody around 8 p.m.

During debriefing, Carrumba said Osnan told authorities that the rebels simply let him go.

Communist Party of the Philippines founder Jose Maria Sison. INQUIRER FILE PHOTOCommunist Party of the Philippines founder Jose Maria Sison on Thursday accused President Benigno Aquino III of being responsible for the “death” of the peace talks.

“He allowed OPAPP (Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process) and Secretary Teresita Deles to obstruct and practically kill the peace negotiations, whether it is the special track or the regular track,” Sison said Thursday in an e-mail interview.

Sison claimed the Philippine Government wanted “nothing but the pacification and capitulation of the revolutionary forces of the Filipino people through indefinite unilateral ceasefires without the basic reforms required by The Hague Joint Declaration and subsequent agreements.”

Despite the unilateral government decision to terminate the peace talks, Luis Jalandoni, head of the communist-led National Democratic Front of the Philippines peace panel, reiterated they were still open to continuing peace talks with the government on the basis of signed bilateral agreements.

“The peace negotiations should address the roots of the armed conflict through fundamental economic, social and political reforms which will pave the way to a just and lasting peace,” Jalandoni stressed in a separate e-mail to the Philippine Daily Inquirer.

The NDFP, is the political arm of the CPP. Its armed wing, the New People’s Army, has been waging Maoist-inspired revolution for more than 40 years, considered as the longest communist rebellion in the world.

Sison branded the Aquino administration as “dishonest” for insisting that the peace talks NDFP and the government had already been terminated.

He maintained that the peace talks was not yet officially dead and insisted that for the termination of the peace talks to be effective, it should follow the process as agreed upon by both parties.

“It (Aquino administration) claims to have already terminated the peace negotiations. But it has not sent to the NDFP any written notice of termination, which takes effect 30 days after receipt by the NDFP,” Sison said.

Jalandoni also rebutted the government’s position that the peace negotiation has reached a dead end.

“I reiterate the NDFP position that the GPH (Government of the Philippines) has not given any written notice of termination of the peace talks to the NDFP, which is the proper addressee of such notice,” Jalandoni said.

Jalandoni noted that the termination process is stipulated in the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG) signed by both parties in 1995.

He refuted the government assertion that Norwegian special envoy Ture Lundh, the official Third Party Facilitator, had been informed of the government decision to stop the peace talks.

“In an e-mail … to me in the afternoon of April 30, 2013, Ambassador Ture Lundh of the Royal Norwegian Foreign Ministry stated: ”Let me be absolutely clear in stating that the GPH has neither officially nor unofficially informed me of any termination of peace negotiations with the NDFP”,” said Jalandoni, quoting Lundh.

In a phone-patch interview with reporters on Wednesday, Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda quoted a statement from peace process adviser Teresita Deles on the lack of progress in the talks following consultations in Manila with Lundh last month.
In a statement, Deles claimed that in their discussion with Lundh, “we mutually established that the NDF killed the special track that they had themselves proposed.”

Jalandoni asserted that the Lacierda and Deles statements “should be seen in the light of Ambassador Ture Lundh”s assertion that he was not officially nor unofficially informed about GPH termination of peace talks with the NDFP.”

He added: “Lacierda either does not know or just ignores the JASIG provision that written notice of termination must be given by one party to the other, in this case, the GPH would have to give written notice to the NDFP the proper addressee of such termination.”

No such written notice of termination of the JASIG and the peace negotiations has been given by the government to the NDFP, said Jalandoni.

According to Sison, the government has long paralyzed the regular track in the peace negotiations by declaring The Hague Joint Declaration as a document of perpetual division and the JASIG as “inoperative and useless in protecting NDFP consultants, staff, security officers and others.”

“The GPH has deliberately refused to comply with its commitments in agreements forged with the NDFP, despite the full knowledge that compliance would immediately break the impasse and cause the resumption of the formal talks of the GPH and NDFP Negotiating Panels,” he said.

Sison and Jalandoni both assailed the government resurrection of the so-called “localized peace talk” as the government’s “new approach” to the more than four decades of communist insurgency.

Sison said the central organs of the CPP-NPA-NDFP do not allow any localized peace talks “because such would fragment the highly unified revolutionary movement.”

“But what the Aquino regime, the OPAPP and the military can do is to fake localized peace talks with the use of military assets,” the CPP founder said.

He added: “No organs of the CPP, NPA and NDFP would negotiate with a regime that does not know how to respect solemn agreements.”

Jalandoni also scoffed at the so-called “new approach” of the Aquino administration, saying “the localized peace talks is actually an old, worn-out one that is totally useless.”

“It is the strict policy of the revolutionary movement, reiterated a few days ago by the CPP, that only the NDFP Negotiating Panel is authorized to hold peace talks with the GPH,” he said.

Meanwhile, the spokesman of the Armed Forces Southern Luzon Command (Solcom) on Thursday said the military will aggressively pursue localized peace negotiation with NPA rebels and other stakeholders in Southern Tagalog and Bicol regions.

Lt. Colonel Neil Anthony Estrella appealed to NPA rebels, local officials and other stakeholders to “give peace a chance.”

Estrella said the military had long been successful in its adoption of the local peace talks strategy in areas which were formerly rebel infested.

“The rebel returnees continue to come in because of our efforts to reach them out, talk to them and convince them to go home and live with their families in peace,” he said.
He said the negotiation for surrender was often conducted through trusted emissaries.

Quezon Gov. David Suarez also declared his full support to localized peace negotiation with NPA rebels.

Suarez asked all local chief executives who will win in the coming election to make localized peace talks as one of their priorities.

The key to end the communist insurgency, according to Suarez, is “not by engaging in a bloody and senseless war but through sincere efforts of the government to uplift the lives of the people.”

From the Visayan Daily Star (May 2): Army backs
transfer of peace talks venueThe call of the Peace Advocates of Negros for the government to transfer the
venue of peace talks from Netherlands to the Philippines has found the military
and Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army- National Democratic
Front on opposite side.

Yesterday, Col. Jon Aying, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, said he
supported the call of the peace advocates in Negros, while the CPP, in a
statement it issued, rejected the localized peace talks, saying that is
tantamount to a unilateral termination of negotiations.

The CPP also accused the Aquino government of paving the way for a purely
military approach to address the decades-old insurgency.

Even before the new peace approach was adopted by the national government of
holding the talks with communist rebels at the local level, local military
officials and Negros Occidental Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr. have repeatedly asked
the Komiteng Rehiyonal-Negros (KR-Negros) to accept their offer of localized
peace talks.

Priest-turned-rebel Frank Fernandez, secretary of KR-Negros, however,
rejected several times the call for local peace talks in Negros, and dismissed
it as a publicity stunt and part of the military psychological operations.

Also expressing support to the call of peace advocates, Maj. Rey Tiongson,
spokesman of the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division, said that while the talks with
the NDFP had bogged down again, they are still hoping that lasting peace will be
achieved through talks.

Tiongson said they know that exiled CPP leader Joma Sison and NDF chief Luis
Jalandoni will not come to talk peace, so they fully support talks with their
local leaders.

In calling for the change of venue, PAN said the negotiation between the
Philippine government and the CPP-NPA-NDF leadership in the Netherlands had been
an exercise in futility for the past 27 years.

“Continuing aggression even against unarmed civilians confirms that the CPP's
intent is bloody revolution, not peace or reform,” they said.

In justifying the transfer of the peace talks to the Philippines, Aying said
“One is in the position of strength and other is in the position of terror.
Strength can suppress terror”.

“Terror is not acceptable so people will rally against it. Why should
strength succumb to terror? Let us wait till the weak one make a deal with the
strong one?” Aying asked.

In developing a new approach to peace negotiations with the communist rebels,
Presidential Adviser on Peace Process Teresita Quintos Deles said the government
is undertaking discussions and consultations with civil society groups and
various sectors

OPPAP recently conducted consultations in Negros Occidental, that seek to
address both those on the peace table and on the ground, especially among the
conflict-affected communities, Deles added.

She said the government is already undertaking discussions and consultations
in their new approach to negotiations with the communist rebels, that focus on
local, instead of national talks.

Jalandoni, however, called the local peace talks “useless and an old and
worn-out” approach

At a recent peace dialog in Bacolod City, civil society organizations
stressed the need for greater involvement of all sectors in the peace
negotiations with the CPP/NPA/NDF.

The outlawed New People’s Army has claimed responsibility
for the abduction of a police escort of Compostela Valley Governor Arturo Uy
late Sunday afternoon.In a statement, Ka Daniel Ibarra, spokesperson for the NPA's ComVal-DavaoGulf
sub-regional command, said: "CompostellaValley re-electionist
Gov. Arturo Uy failed to coordinate and cooperate with the New People's Army
and organs of the People's Democratic Government in the strict adherence with
the no-firearms policy within the revolutionalry territories."

The abduction at an NPA checkpoint comes barely a week after the wounding of 78-year-old
Gingoog Mayor Ruth Guingona and the killings of two of her bodyguards at
another NPA checkpoint in Misamis Oriental, also in Mindanao.

Guingona too was accused by the NPA of not coordinating her movements with the
NPA.

In a separate interview, Governor Uy appealed to rebels to release SPO1
Pansoy.

From GMA News (May 2): Security tightened in Palawan town after 4 explosions

Government security forces in Palawan have
tightened security in Bataraza town following four explosions that occurred
near a mining site there Wednesday night.No one was initially reported injured in the blasts along the national
highway, PO3 Rolie Paculdas of the Bataraza police told GMA News Online
Thursday.Citing initial reports, Paculdas said the explosion came from improvised
explosive devices. Police are still undergoing further investigation, Paculdas
added.

Meanwhile, according to radio dzBB's Palawan
affiliate James Viernes report Thursday, at least one of the explosions was
described as 'powerful.'

But for now, local authorities said they are not discounting the
possibility that the explosions had a "political color."

Local police are verifying the cause of the explosions.

In the meantime, the Marine Battalion Landing Team 12 said it is tightening
security in the area.

From GMA News (May 2): Two NPA guerrillas surrender to soldiers in Sorsogon

Two New People's Army guerrillas surrendered after a ten-minute clash with government troops in Sorsogon on Wednesday.

31st Infantry Battalion commanding officer Col. Teody Toribio said the encounter took place in Magallanes town's Barangay Siuton in Sorsogon in Bicol at about 5:20 p.m. on May 1.

Citing information from Capt. Christopher Santander, who led the government troops during the firefight in Siuton, Toribio said soldiers were on combat patrol when they encountered the 10 communist rebels.

Also, Toribio said two of the insurgents surrendered and soldiers recovered three M16 rifles, a landmine, subversive documents and campaign paraphernalia at the clash site.

The captured rebels were identified as Judy Torres a.k.a. Ka Roy, 33, a resident of Brgy Dolos, Bulan, Sorsogon while the other was Jomar Gracilla a.k.a. Marvin, 19, of Brgy Pili, Magallanes.

They belong to the NPA's Larangan 1, the former Front Committee 80 in Sorsogon, Toribio said.

"We heard voices shouting for surrender, I immediately ordered for a ceasefire to my men. They were laying face down on the ground with their firearms by their side when they were captured," Toribio quoted Capt. Santander as saying.

The two were brought to the 31IB headquarters and were treated well, Toribio said.

Waging Asia's longest communist insurgency, the NPA, the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), collects money from candidates before allowing them to campaign in rebel strongholds.

Osnan was not the first candidate abducted by the NPA during the campaign period. The security escort of governor Arturo Uy was abducted by the rebels late Sunday afternoon. The rebels claimed responsibility for the abduction, saying the local government failed to follow the no-firearms policy within "revolutionary territories."

From MindaNews (May 2): Transition to Bangsamoro: “the process is about hope… for a happy life”

A former Ambassador who is now a member of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission says the process they are going through now in preparation for the establishment of the Bangsamoro, the new autonomous political entity that would replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao by June 30, 2016, is “about hope.”

“The process we are going through now is about Hope. We are going to bring hope to every family in the Bangsamoro land. We have been at war for almost five decades now. It is our duty, every Muslim in this country, to bring that hope to every family, from the islands to the mainland,” Commissioner Akmad Sakkam of Sulu, a retired Ambassador, told a press conference at the end of the two-day session at the Alnor Hotel on Wednesday afternoon.

Sakkam, who served as Ambassador to Iraq, Bahrain and Oman, said the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) which the Philippine government (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) signed on October 15, 2012 “is a big leap forward in our endeavor” as they await the signing of the remaining three annexes to the FAB that would complete the comprehensive peace pact.

“Can you imagine if we can bring between two covers into the basic law, the aspirations of our people, the culture, our identity and then the whole of the country recognizes that and there will be peace. That is the premium we have to pay, a big premium that will bring in tourism, investments and a happy life for all our people throughout the land,” said Sakkam.

Former Ambassador Akmad Sakkam of Sulu: “The process we are going through now is about hope.” MindaNews photo by Toto Lozano

The Transition Commission (TransCom) is tasked, among others, to draft the Bangsamoro Basic Law.

It was the second meeting since their ceremonial opening in Pasig City on April 3 and the first to be held in Cotabato, where it is based.

TransCom chair Mohagher Iqbal, concurrent MILF peace panel chair, described the two-day session sponsored by the Center for Humanitarian Dialogue, as a “learning session” for the 15-member body. All 15 members – eight from the MILF and seven from the GPH — were present.

Challenging tasks
He said the two-day session fostered “closer participation and relationship between and among its members and laid down the strong foundation for the Commission’s challenging tasks ahead.”

Prof. Yash Ghai, an authority on Constitution and Basic Law making and his wife, Dr. Jill Cottrell, “an expert in promoting public participation and advocacy” were the resource persons on Tuesday, along with Nasser Marohomsalic, a former commissioner of the Commission on Human Rights and a member of the 1988 Regional Consultative Commission that was tasked to draft the Organic Act for what would be the ARMM, and Benedicto Bacani, Executive Director of the Institute for Autonomy and Governance and former Dean of the College of Law of the Notre Dame University, who facilitated the session.

Ghai drafted the Asian Human Rights Charter – A People’s Charter, a project of the Asian Human Rights Commission. He is also the Director of the International Center for Transitional Justice. Cottrell worked on constitutional projects in Sri Lanka, East Timor, Nepal. Somalia, South Africa and Iraq and played a key role in the elaboration fo the Kenya constitution.

Iqbal said the session “greatly helped” them in looking at options to effectively organize its “structures, work plans, budget and internal rules.”

On Wednesday, Iqbal said, the TransCom agreed on steps to be undertaken for the adoption of its structures, work plans, budget and internal rules.

He said they will meet again two weeks later for a three-day workshop on the work plan and “eventually to adopt our structures, work plans and rules.”

Defining “as soon as possible”
Iqbal said body agreed to set up four working committees: the Committes on Basic Law, Proposal to make amendments to the Constitution if necessary, Socio-economic and Relevant Functions.

Only the first three have been set up thus far but they will finalize the committee memberships in the next sessions, he said.

Asked if they had agreed on a timeframe, Iqbal said, “we have in mind to finish it as soon as possible” but added that defining “as soon as possible” will depend on the work plan they will adopt.

Most of the sessions of the TransCom will be held here but sessions will also be held “in Marawi City, in Basilan, perhaps Sulu, and also Zamboanga so that our people will feel that the Transition Commission is not only for the people in the mainland,” he said.

On possible roadblocks ahead, Commissioner Maulana Alonto of Lanao del Sur, said they are following a roadmap, that the obstacles for now are just speculations and that they would tackle any problem that comes along.

“We don’t want to go into speculations. We will cross the bridge when we get there. As the problems arise, we will tackle them,” said Alonto, concurrently a member of the MILF peace panel.

The TransCom was represented at the presscon by Iqbal, Sakkam and Alonto.

Patience
Sakkam said that in negotiations for peace, there are different parties – “parties with diverse interests, vested interests, personal interests” – but he said he told Prof. Ghai that the Bangsamoro is “very rich in one virtue: the virtue of patience.”

“We have to be patient,” Sakkam said as he again noted how the Bangsamoro have been at war with government continuously and how they have been “talking about our aspirations, our longing that one day we will find peace.”

He said they now have the FAB and the TransCom and a President “who understood our problem.”

He likened the Bangsamoro and President Aquino as “a rebellious son to a compassionate father, a son that through these years (has been) trying to disengage from the family and here is now the President (saying) ‘we welcome you, we give you what you want.’ And we are here, almost the penultimate chapter of our negotiations and hopefully we will arrive at that conclusion.”

Consultations
Alonto said the TransCom will hold consultations within the ARMM, the proposed core territory of the Bangsamoro, and even with the Bangsamoro outside the ARMM “because they are part of our constituency.”

Iqbal emphasized that consultation “is the heart of the peace process” so that everybody “owns the process.”

“No normal people would want to live in a perpetual state of war. Bangsmaoro people are normal people. We want to live in peace,” said Alonto.

“We have been fighting for the last 40 years. We want to put an end to the state of war that has been imposed on us,” he said, adding that the MILF has been negotiating for peace in the last 16 years. “That is a symbolism that we want to end this war and we want a peaceful life but not just a peaceful life per se but has to have justice. Peace with justice. We cannot live in a state of unpeace. No peace no war, that is purgatory to us.”

Single identity
Asked what guarantee the TrasnCom members could give to ensure that the Bangsamoro Basic law that they will draft will work this time, Sakkam replied they have a common denominator among all the tribes: “the aspiration to create one single identity for all the Muslims, whether you are an islander or from the mainland. No more Tausog, no more Maguindanao. No more Maranao nor Yakan but one single identity, Bangsamoro identity for all Muslims so that it symbolizes regional unity among ourselves.”

Alonto said the TransCom is operating as one body, and not as government or as MILF.

He said the TransCom is a “microscopic image of the Bangsamoro nation operating as a nation.”

“We are operating as one body and I think we can move forward very fast if the annexes will be signed by the parties because we are all Bangsamoro and we are operating within the paradigm of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro. So as long as we feel clearly as Bangsamoro and we are bound by that so there is no room for discrepancy, no room for quarrel, so the future of the Transition Commission is very bright,” Iqbal said.

The Bangsamoro Transition Commission is still awaiting the release of its budget but managed to meet this week and will meet again two weeks from now, courtesy of a sponsor.

“It’s a problem until this time and in fairness to the government, perhaps the delay is bureaucratic problem. And the other reason maybe is because everybody’s busy with elections,” Mohagher Iqbal, chair of the Transition Commission (TransCom) and concurrent chair of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) peace panel, said.

Iqbal told a press conference at the end of the two-day session Wednesday afternoon that “while we are banking on the logistical support from government, we see to it that we also help ourselves by sourcing somewhere as long as it is not violative of the Framework Agreement. We see to it that we will source somewhere.”

The two-day session this week was sponsored by the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue (CHD), an international non-governmental organization that assists in conflict mediation and a member of the GPH-MILF peace process’ International Contact Group (ICG).

“This is the reason that the CHD has sponsored this two-day session and it will again sponsor another session while (we are) waiting for the release from government. I hope the government will, after the elections, facilitate or release the budget,” said Iqbal.

He said they have identified the building in Cotabato City where they will hold office “but we have yet to occupy that pending the solution of other problems especially logistical support.”

EO 120
The TransCom was created by Executive Order 120 issued by President Aquino on December 17, 2012, in accordance with the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) signed on October 15 that same year.

The TransCom is a 15-member body — eight nominated by the MILF, seven by the government — tasked to draft the Bangsamoro Basic Law in preparation for the setting up of the Bangsamoro, the new autonomous political entity that would replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

EO 120 provides an initial funding of P100 million for the TransCom from the contingent fund of the Office of the President. Budget for the succeeding years, the EO said, would be incorporated in budget proposal under the Office of the President.

Mike Pasigan, TransCom Executive Director told MindaNews on Monday that he had been following up on the release of the budget but as of May 1, the budget has not been released.

MindaNews asked Budget Secretary Butch Abad that same day why the budget has not been released. He replied: “Wala pa silang request” (They haven’t filed a request).
“They need to submit a formal funding request that details where they intend to apply the P100-M,” Abad said.

He said the TransCom through the chair “will need to meet with us so we can assist them in putting together the request,” adding that they “cannot just release funds without any request and documentation.”

Iqbal on Wednesday told reporters that immediately after his March 15 appointment to the TransCom, “I officially wrote a letter to President requesting for the immediate release of the P100 million.”

UPDATE: Abad told MindaNews on Thursday afternoon that he had just spoken with Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa and the latter “will be endorsing to the DBM (Department of Budget and Management) the request for funding within the week.”Tasks
The EO provides the following tasks of the TransCom, in accordance with the FAB: “draft the Bangsamoro Basic Law with provisions consistent with the 2012 Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro; whenever necessary, to recommend to Congress or the people, proposed amendments to the 1987 Philippine Constitution; and whenever necessary, to assist in identifying and coordinating development programs in the proposed Bangsamoro in conjunction with the MILF Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA) and the Bagnsamoro Leadership and Management Institute (BLMI)” and for this purpose, “may likewise coordinate with such other relevant government agencies and/or non-government organizations.”

It also adds these tasks: “coordinate and conduct dialogues and consultations with the National Government and various stakeholders in furtherance of its functions; and perform such other relevant functions as the President may hereinafter direct.”

The TransCom, according to the FAB, will be independent from the ARMM (which will hold its last elections in May 2013) and other government agencies” but all agencies of government are mandated to “support the Transition Commission in the performance of its tasks and responsibilities” until it ceases to exist “upon the enactment by Congress of the Bangsamoro Basic Law.”

The EO provides that the TransCom “may directly coordinate with legislative bodies in order to accomplish its functions” and shall organize its Secretariat headed by an Executive Director as may be designated by the chair. It can also create technical committees and engage the assistance of experts and professional advisors.

From the Philippine Information Agency (May 2): Moro NGO strengthens youth participation in community development

The Moro People’s Community Organization for Reform and Empowerment, Inc. (Moro People’s CORE) in Kabacan, North Cotabato empowers youth participation in order for them to contribute in the community’s advancement.

In connection, the group conducted recently a lecture on capability build-up.

Moro People’s CORE Executive Director Zaynab Ampatuan said that participants of the activity were students of Kuntaw Silat in Barangay Poblacion.

Kuntaw Silat is a Maguindanaon martial arts which is a project of Moro People’s CORE in a bid to promote the Moro culture.

Zaynab emphasized that their group aims to educate the youth in the importance of building youth organizations that are useful in the locality.

Moreover, she noted that it is essential to instill to young ones the characteristics which a good leader should possess as well as the responsibilities that must be performed.

In the activity which the group organized, Zaynab explained the role of the participants in achieving the objectives and goals of the Moro People’s CORE.

The goals include producing progressive and critical community leaders who genuinely serve the interest and welfare of the community, promoting working relationship with like minded domestic and international organizations for mutual benefit, cooperation and support, creating progressive and dynamic communities that promote and practice cultural sensitivity and uplifting the economic condition, raise political and socio-cultural awareness of the Moro, Lumad and the community in general.

Moro People’s CORE is a group which is organized to promote the culture of indigenous people and strengthen youth’s participation in the society as they become catalysts for change.

A wounded member of the New People’s Army whom soldiers tried to save following a firefight last week in Barangay Katipunan, Nabunturan, Compostela Valley passed away last Monday, April 29 due to multiple organ failure.

Major Rosa Maria Christina Manuel, executive officer of the 10th Civil-Military Operations said Renier Perez alias Ka Arnel who hailed from Barangay Tulalian, Sto. Tomas, Davao del Norte expired several hours after he was rushed by soldiers to the hospital from the area of engagement using an improvised stretcher.

She said doctors attending Perez during his operation observed him to be unconscious with low vital signs.

“The soldiers pumped his manual ventilator alternately to support Renier to survive. They were the same troops who alternately carried him from the mountainous area towards the poblacion using an improvised stretcher. He died of multiple organ failure according to his attending physician,” Manuel said.

She said Renier's mother and aunt arrived at the hospital 6:00 pm Sunday (April 28).

Jocelyn Perez, mother of the victim said she learned of his son’s fate only through the television report. She narrated she was not aware that her son joined the rebels.

Perez said she had hunches that her son was recruited in Paquibato. She thought the younger Perez was in Barangay Pandaitan in Paquibato District, Davao City.

Mrs. Perez thanked the soldiers for helping her son.

PFC Lara one of the guards said that the victim flat lined when he first saw his relatives. He said the doctors revived him and he was able to recover.

The soldier said Perez flat lined for the second time and eventually died 2:00 am Monday.

Lt. Colonel Michael Logico, commanding officer of the 66th Infantry Battalion said his instruction to his men was to give humane treatment to the victim.

He also sought the assistance of the Compostela Valley Provincial government for the hospitalization and burial of the victim.

From the Philippine Information Agency (May 2): 1st Infantry “Tabak” Division has a new chief

BGen Daniel A. Lucero assumed as the new commander of the 1st Infantry “Tabak” Division on Wednesday, April 24 in a Change of Command Ceremony held at the Division Grandstand, Upper Pulacan, Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur.

Lt. Gen Noel A. Coballes, Commanding General of the Philippine Army was the guest of honor and presiding officer who lauded the outgoing commander, MGen Ricardo Rainier G. Cruz III for the major accomplishments of the division under his leadership.

Coballes said Cruz effectively addressed the various threats in his area of responsibility through operations resulting to the neutralization of high profile personalities, including commanders and members of the local communist movement, alongside the capture and apprehension of 13 Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) elements.

Also noteworthy are the initiatives of the Bayanihan MEDCAP like harelip operation and other programs in cooperation with partner LGUs, national government agencies and private organizations.

“When I assumed command of this division, I felt I had reached the pinnacle of my career. With more than 7,600 men and women to lead, your exemplary service and unselfish devotion to duty, are the qualities that truly mold what the 1st Infantry Tabak Division is all about, the best and fightingest division of the Philippine Army,” outgoing commander MGen Cruz said.

Meanwhile, newly-installed division commander BGen Daniel A Lucero, who became the 40th commander of the 1ID just relinquished his post as brigade commander of the 103rd Haribon Brigade based in Marawi City. He is a home grown Tabak trooper having been a battalion commander of the 18th IB based in Basilan.

Lucero cited the IPSP Bayanihan emphasizes a people-centered approach in all military actions. “The most effective tools of the army are not our rifles, not our tanks, not our howitzers but the hands outstretched and open, sincere heart under the uniform and open mind under the helmet. In this age of globalization where physical boarders no longer keep the enemies out, the win of the game is to innovate , and we cannot innovate if our hands are clenched, our hearts are hardened and our minds are closed,” he expounded.

He went on to explain that IPSP Bayanihan lays the groundwork how we can innovate. It comes from forming together and consider security no longer the monopoly of the army.

As the new commander, Lucero committed that his mission will always be clear and consistent; to protect and safeguard the rights of everyone. Thus, he will also give priority in providing our soldiers with more capacity building so that they can operationalize the IPSP.

Municipal and barangay officials,religious group, and other people’s
organization condemned the atrocities of the New People’s Army (NPA) in an
indignation rally in GingoogCity, the military said
Wednesday.

Maj. Leo E. Bongosia, spokesperson of the army’s 4th Infantry Division, said
the military also joined the peace rally where local leaders took turns in
condemning the atrocities by the NPA rebels in the hinterlands of Misamis
Oriental.

Bongosia said that the local leaders condemned the crimes and atrocities
done by the NPAs, not only in GingoogCity, but in other places
in Misamis Oriental where these brought so much damage - physically and
psychologically- to the communities.

He said Brig. Gen. Ricardo R. Visaya, newly installed commander of the
army’s 4th ID, who was present during the rally also expressed, on behalf of
the army command, sympathy to the families of the slain Velasco brothers.

Bartolome and Nestor Velasco, both drivers and close-in security escorts of
Gingoog City Mayor Ruthie Guingona, died when their convoy was ambushed in
Barangay Capitulangan on their way home from a fiesta celebration last April
20.

Ruthie Guingona, mother of incumbent Senator Teofisto Guingona III, survived
the attack with bullet and shrapnel wounds in various parts of her body.

Visaya said that peace could be attained if the government, non-government
organizations, and other stakeholders will work together to counter the
atrocities of the NPA in their areas.

“It is only by acting together we can attain peace and cease the existence
of NPAs which have been the burden of the country for more than four decades,”
Visaya said.

The Guingona ambush prompted the government to send a battalion of Marines
soldiers to GingoogCity to flush those
responsible for the attack and to ensure a peaceful election on May 13 in
Misamis Oriental.

Thirty-five former members of the New People’s Army (NPA) from this province
have availed of government programs for them to live a peaceful life back in
the community.

The national government, through the Army’s 8th Infantry Division (8ID) and the
Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process (OPAPP) in cooperation with
the provincial government of Northern Samar
provided cash assistance and livelihood training to the ex-rebels who have
decided to return to the fold of law.

Recently, the rebel returnees (RRs) were given P50,000 each and were
promised another counterpart from the local government unit (LGU) and Armed
Forces of the Philippines (AFP) depending on the kind of firearms they have
surrendered.

Prior to the giving of cash grant, the RRs were debriefed, reoriented and
trained on livelihood business particularly on agriculture, animal husbandry,
farming and other business of their own choice.

Meanwhile Emy Bonifacio, Samar area manager of OPPAP said that another batch
of RRs from Samar’s remote town is currently
being assessed if they qualify for the program. The assessment is being done in
coordination with the Samar Provincial Peace and Order Council (SPPOC).

Bonifacio, however, refused to name those rebels and the town of their origin
for security reasons but said the government is so concerned about the needs of
these former insurgents.

“Each of them (rebels) has different stories to tell why they joined the
insurgents and the pain they encountered in the mountains running from the
government forces…“… but they have one thing in common - to live a normal life
again,” she said. <P

Eastern Visayas region, except for the provinces of Samar and Northern Samar, was earlier declared by the Philippine
Army (PA) as “insurgency-free” or “development-ready” provinces.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Department of Interior and
Local Government (DILG) also listed the two provinces as “areas of concern” in
the forthcoming May elections.

The 8ID, under the leadership of General Gerardo T. Layug, also continues to
provide security operations in securing significant government installations
and its people especially during the election period and vowed to get rid of
the NPAs before 2016.

Members of the 15-man Bangsamoro Transition Commission (TransCom) have
agreed Wednesday to the formation of 14 committees to assist in the
organization of structures, processes and internal rules of the commission in
fulfilling its mandate and tasks.

The TransCom, comprising seven representatives from the government and eight
from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, was created under Executive Order 120
issued by President Aquino on December 17, 2012.

The body is primarily tasked to draft the Bangsamoro Basic Law that would
pave the way for the proposed Bangsamoro political entity to replace the
23-year-old, graft-ridden Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

The existing ARMM setup covers the cities of Marawi and Lamitan and the
provinces of Maguindanao, Sulu, Tawi-tawi, Basilan and Lanao del Sur.

TransCom Chairman Mohagher Iqbal, concurrent MILF spokesman, said that of
the recommended committees, they have pushed for the immediate formalization of
four groups namely, the Committees on Basic Law; Constitutional Amendments;
Socio-Economic and Relevant Functions on Issues.

“This, as we have yet to establish our main headquarters in CotabatoCity.” Iqbal said during a press
conference following the April 30-May 1 first-ever session of the commission
held at Alnor Commercial Complex here since its public introduction last April
3 in PasigCity, Metro Manila.

TransCom Commissioner Maulana Alonto, for his part, said that the body is currently
working for the adoption of a work plan on the drafting of the Basic Law as
they anticipate for “obstacles” that might come along in the near future.

“These perceived obstacles remain speculative as of this time. We will cross
the bridge when we get there,” Alonto said.

Alonto said that on whatever they do, a series of consultation would be held
“inside and outside” of the Bangsamoro to be able to reach out to every sector
of the society.

Iqbal echoed Alonto’s assertion, citing that consultation is the heart of
the Bangsamoro process. As the TransCom work gains momentum, Iqbal has written
a formal letter to Malacañang requesting for the immediate release of an
initial P100-million to cover for the commission’s expenditures in the
performance of its duties.

Initial investigation of the Western Command (WESCOM) showed two men riding
a motorcycle appeared to be responsible for the twin explosions that took place
Wednesday night in front of the Rio Tubba Nickel Mining Corporation (RTNMC)Ice Plant
in Barangay Ocayan, and in Barangay Rio Tuba.

According to Lt. Cheryl Tindog, spokesperson of the (WESCOM), intelligence
representatives were told by witnesses that two motorcycle-riding men were seen
fleeing from one of the areas where an alleged home-made bomb exploded.

This is by far the only update WESCOM has, said Tindog, adding that
investigation remains in the area of intelligence operatives of the Palawan
Provincial Police Office (PPPO), the lead agency.

Troops from the Marine Battalion Landing Team 12 (MBLT 12) and the police
are moving around the vicinity of Bataraza to determine who are responsible
behind the separate explosions.

Tindog said the investigation will also find out what type of “component”
was used in the home-made explosive devices, and motives of the unknown
suspects.

Asked if they suspect armed members of the New People’s Army (NPA) to be
involved in the incident, Tindog said that at this point, anything is possible.

“It could be about business, it could be politics, we do not know yet,” she
told the Philippine News Agency (PNA), adding that the NPA has not claimed any
responsibility so far.

Currently, police and military personnel are now keeping a tight watch over
the RTNMC secured compound, including the mine site area. Even the security of
the areas where the Coral Bay Nickel Corporation (CBNC) is operating has also
been intensified due to the incident.

To give chance to job seekers who might not have the resources to bring
themselves to Naga City to seek their luck Wednesday, Labor Day, the 9th
Infantry (Spear) Division came to the rescue with free rides or "Libreng
Sakay para sa mga Manggagawa" with pick-up points in three provinces in
Bicol Region.

The Jobs Fair and Livelihood Fair, jointly spearheaded by the Department of
Labor and Employment (DOLE) in Bicol Region and SM City Naga with other
stakeholders, were held the whole day on Wednesday.

At least 67 establishments participated to give job seekers the chance to
look for careers that would suit their qualifications and livelihood grant
beneficiaries of DOLE to showcase and sell their products to the public, DOLE
Region 5 official Christine Soriano said.

Army trucks from battalions and brigades of the Philippine Army in Albay,
Camarines Norte and Camarines Sur had their respective pick-up points where
they fetched applicants for the Jobs Fair from far-flung barangays and
delivered them to the venue for free.

"The free ride was to assist the poor, yet qualified and deserving
people within the division's area of responsibility to find employment in the
Jobs Fair, which is in support to the poverty reduction program of the national
government slowly being realized through the efforts of the AFP's
IPSP-Bayanihan," said Major General Romeo V. Calizo, 9th Infantry Division
commander.

“The use of Army trucks was to ensure that even those who live in
hard-to-reach areas would be given equal chance with those living near the
event venues,” he added.

Calizo said the units that participated in the free ride are the 2nd
Infantry Battalion, 42nd Infantry Battalion, 49th Infantry Battalion, 902nd
Brigade, 903rd Brigade and the 9th Civil Military Operations Battalion.

Another similar Jobs Fair was also held at Embarcadero de Legazpi City
simultaneously on Labor Day.

The presence of free rides provided by the Army enabled hundreds of
participants to join the Jobs Fair.

CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City -– A top official of the
army’s 4th Infantry Division here likened the New People’s Army rebels to the
Abu Sayyaf group described by security authorities as terrorists.

Brig. Gen. Ricardo Visaya, commander of the army’s 4th ID, made the
statement Thursday in recalling the ambush of the convoy of Gingoog city Mayor
Ruthie Guingona in Misamis Oriental last week.

Visaya said the NPAs were like the "Abu Sayyaf terrorists, robbers, and
bandits" although the descriptions were not enough.

He challenged the NPA rebels to take on the military rather than sow terror
and anguish among innocent civilians.

Visaya, however, assured the people in his area that the military would
continue to deliver its mandate as protector of the people.

“The NPAs' efforts to sow terror in the countryside would not hinder the
military in pursuing its objective of attaining peace and protecting the
well-being of the state and its people,” Visaya added.

Police and military operations against the communist rebels will heighten in
a few weeks prior to May 13 elections following the latest attack in CompostelaValley where a policeman was abducted by
the insurgents, Malacanang said.

“Tuluy-tuloy ang operation natin sa mga ganyang mga element, we will not
cease our efforts to curb these activities,” Presidential Spokesman Edwin
Lacierda said in a telephone interview with Malacanang reporters on Wednesday.